Georgia's Mikautadze returns to Lyon from Metz

Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze, who scored three goals during the country's European Championship debut, has returned to his hometown club Olympique Lyonnais from Metz on a four-year contract, the Ligue 1 side said on Thursday.

Lyon will pay 18.5 million euros ($20.18 million) for Mikautadze, after Metz re-signed him from Ajax Amsterdam in July for 13 million euros ($14.18 million).

"He was courted all over France and Europe, but Georges Mikautadze has always given his priority to Olympique Lyonnais," Lyon said in a statement.

"His attachment to the club and his great determination will be invaluable assets for the many challenges ahead."

Mikautadze spent seven years at Lyon's academy before finishing his youth career at Metz, where he made his first team debut in 2019. He has 29 caps for Georgia, scoring 13 goals.

The 23-year-old netted 11 times in 17 Ligue 1 games for Metz last season before starting in all of Georgia's Euro 2024 matches as they reached the knockout stage.

Lyon begin their Ligue 1 campaign at Rennes on Aug. 18.

($1 = 0.9166 euros)